A thoughtful query caused Montel Williams to cancel an interview and later threaten the high school newspaper intern who asked the question, reports the Associated Press.
"I'm trying to figure out exactly why you are here and what the interview is about,” Montel snapped at Savannah Morning-News intern Courtney Scott.
The talk show host, in town to promote a free prescription drug program for low-income patients, ended the press event after Courtney asked if he thought that pharmaceutical companies would be discouraged from research and development if profits were restricted.
“I'm here as a patient advocate talking about the fact that medications available today are saving people's lives, that's what's saving mine and after that, this interview is done," the multiple sclerosis-afflicted Montel said before storming out.
Later, Montel confronted Courtney and crew at his hotel, while they were covering another story.
“As we were preparing to film, Montel walked up with his bodyguard and got in Courtney Scott's face pointing his finger telling her ‘Don't look at me like that. Do you know who I am? I'm a big star, and I can look you up, find where you live and blow you up’,” said Joseph Cosey, a Web content producer for the newspaper. “At this time he was randomly pointing at all of us.”
“I'm not sure if he meant ‘blow me up’ and ruin my career or really blow us up, but it was threatening," Courtney added.
Montel later apologized for his outburst in a statement that read, “I mistakenly thought the reporter and photographer in question were at the hotel to confront me about some earlier comments. I was wrong, and I apologize for my overreaction.”
Jennifer Love Hewitt speaks out on rear-view photosLess than a week after not-so-flattering photos of her backside hit the gossip blogs, Jennifer Love Hewitt took to her own forum to defend her “size 2” derriere.
Slideshow 26 photos
Celebrity Sightings
“I've sat by in silence for a long time now about the way women's bodies are constantly scrutinized,” the “Ghost Whisperer” star posted. “To set the record straight, I'm not upset for me, but for all of the girls out there that are struggling with their body image.
Prying photogs snapped the now-infamous pics while Jen and main man Ross McCall frolicked in Hawaii, making merry after their big engagement news. “What I should be doing is celebrating some of the best days of my life and my engagement to the man of my dreams, instead of having to deal with photographers taking invasive pictures from bad angles.” Jen added, “I know what I look like, and so do my friends and family. And like all women out there should, I love my body.”
Before wrapping up her case for the defense, Jen threw in a message of curvy girl power. “To all girls with butts, boobs, hips and a waist, put on a bikini — put it on and stay strong.”
Dish on the flyWhile Rihanna likes to show a little skin in her sexy videos, the “Umbrella” singer told FHM (via Female First) that she has no plans to show it all. "I am only 19! My mother would kill me if I posed nude,” she insisted. Besides, Rihanna’s beau, actor Josh Hartnett, might not approve. “Josh really wants to date someone sweet and innocent that he can take home to his parents,” an insider told the publication. “If Rihanna decided to pose nude, it would destroy the whole image she is building for herself as a singer and as a girlfriend.” … Don’t look for Hollywood’s most adorable “it” couple, Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, to head down the aisle anytime soon. While Justin told Us Weekly he feels “blessed and happy” about the relationship, Drew’s pal claims the actress is just in it for fun. “She already did the settling-down-and-get-married thing more than once and isn't into that right now,” her friend confided to the magazine. “It's all about just having fun!”
Tabloid Tidbits is compiled by Ree Hines and Helen A.S. Popkin.